Sailing holidays in Croatia
Croatia is the easiest Mediterranean destination to get right: over a thousand islands, short legs, well-organised harbours and a sea that stays manageable even at the height of summer. We have spent three seasons here between Split, Vis and the Kornati.
Two playgrounds stand out. Central Dalmatia, out of Split, lines up the great classics — Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula — with impeccable infrastructure. Further north, the Kornati National Park offers a lunar landscape and mooring-buoy nights in rare silence.
Croatia's charm has a flip side: July–August crowds. Our routes favour the lesser-known anchorages and early-afternoon arrivals — the two keys to a stress-free week.
Day by day
Flagship routes
Dalmatia in 7 days from Split
7 days · 140 nm · Beginner to intermediate
Cruising areas
Compare cruising areas
Comparison table
| Area | Season | Level | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Dalmatia | April to October | Beginner to intermediate | NW thermal maestral, force 3–5 |
| Kornati | May to September | Beginner to intermediate | Moderate maestral, bora possible off-summer |
Find a sailboat in Croatia
Frequently asked questions
Is Croatia suitable for a first charter?
It is probably the best Mediterranean destination to start with: 8-to-20-mile legs, flat water in the islands' lee, harbours and buoys everywhere. The only caveat: book berths ahead in summer.
When does the bora blow and should I fear it?
The bora (NE, katabatic) mainly hits November to March, but 24–48 h episodes occur in May–June and September. It forecasts well 2–3 days out: you simply adapt the route to stay in the islands' lee.
What budget for a week in Croatia?
A 40 ft monohull runs €1,800–3,200 depending on season. Add berthing (€60–120 a night in ACI marinas, €30–50 on a buoy) — the line item that surprises most compared to Greece.
Is the Blue Cave on Biševo worth it?
Yes, but not with your yacht: anchoring is forbidden there. Leave the boat in Komiža (Vis) and take the official tour early — the light is better and there is no queue before 9 am.